So far, so good when it comes to guard Carl Nicks and that could mean the Bucs would have their dream lineup for the first time on Sunday.

Nicks, who is recovering from MRSA on his foot, practiced for the second straight day on Thursday, lending most to believe he will not only play but will start on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

First, however, Nicks has to get through the final two days of practice without any setbacks.

“He was pretty good,” coach Greg Schiano said. “He was limited. He didn’t do a full workload.”

Nicks, an All-Pro guard, signed as a free agent in 2012. Prior to the season, however, Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph was lost for the year and the two never played in the regular season together.

The Bucs thought Nicks (was was recovering from toe surgery) and Joseph would play together in the second preseason game at New England but that was when Nicks contracted MRSA. Now, Tampa Bay is three days away from seeing how their offense will be with their line intact.

For the Patriots, wide receiver Danny Armendola (groin) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (back/forearm) were among the significant players who were limited.

Talib Doing Work With Patriots

Aqib Talib, the embattled corner when he was with the Bucs, is doing good things with the Patriots. Talib leads the Patriots with two interceptions, has two pass deflections, one forced fumble and five overall tackles.

What Tampa Bay fans may trip off of is coach Bill Belichick lauded Talib’s work ethic, even giving the corner an offseason award signifying that.

“Aqib’s been great,” Belichick said. “I’ve really enjoyed having him on our team. He’s, obviously, a very good player, but he’s become a good leader for us. He’s really got a lot of on-the-field presence, and his experience brings a lot to our defense, and our defensive backfield group off the field. He’s just been a great addition to our team.”